Apparatus for constructing dry-docks.



0. n. McBEAN. APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY DOCKS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21.1914.

' Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET l.

D. D. McBEAN.

APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY DUCKS.

APPLICATION FILED .IULYZI. I914.

Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

coLuMnlA PLANDGRAPH CO..WASHINGTON, B1 c.

D. D. McBEAN.

APPARATUS FOR CONSIRUCTING DRY DOCKS. APPLICATION FILED 1uLY21.1914.

1 1 60, 1 80. Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

COLUMBIA pumounAn-l COUWASHINGTON. D.c.

D. D. McBEAN. APPARATUS FOR cowsmucrme DRY DUCKS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21. 1914- Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

7 SHEETS- EET 4 COLUMBIA PLANDGRAPH cn..wAsHlNo'mN. D. c.

D- D. McBEAN.

APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY DOCKS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21,1914. 1 ,160,180. Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

%13 hi0 We a D. D. McBEAN. APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY DUCKS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21, 1914.

1 ,1 60,1 80. Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

1 SHEETS-SHEET 6' YllIIllI/II I COLUMBIA PLANDORAPH CO.,WASHINGTON, D. c.

D. D. McBEAN. APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY DOCKS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21, 1914. 1,160,180. Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

I l H. I 7SHEETSS HEET 7.

DUNCAN D. MGBEAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING DRY-DUCKS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, DUNCAN D. MoBEAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Constructing Dry-Docks, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The subject of the invention upon which is based my present application for Letters Patent, is an improved apparatus primarily intended for use in the construction of such structures as dry docks for vessels and the like but applicable generally to such other purposes as unwatering sites for excavations to deepen channels and river bottoms, and it has for its objects the reduction of the expense involved in such operations, a more ready and easy means of excavating material from the site of the structure, and a more simple and effective plan of building the bottom and walls of the basin or chamher for the vessels.

In general terms, the invention involves the-construction of a structure comprising or resting upon one or more air tight com partments of the general character of a closed or covered scow, which has suflicient buoyancy to float the entire structure, together with all its machinery appliances and appurtenances necessary for carrying out the objects of the invention. The dimensions of this structure are so proportioned with reference to the dry dock which it is contemplated to be built by its use, that it exceeds by about eight feet the total width of such dry-dock, that it has a length greater than a predetermined section of the same by the same amount or somewhat less, and that it is equal in height to' the distance between the dry-dock floor level and the surface of the water at mean low tide.

The superstructure built upon the scow is substantially wider and longer than the latter and the overhanging portions are constructed to form air-tight spaces or compartments open at the bottom, and to the ends and sides of the whole device are securedat intervals vertical girders from which are supported the walings and the appliances for guiding the sheeting and permitting the structure to travel over the same after the latter has been driven, and occasion arises for raising or lowering the structure.

Omitting for the moment a. description of Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 21, 1914.

Patented Nov. 16, 1915.

Serial No. 852,166.

is then carefully leveled by filling more or less the Various water compartments, and the sheeting around about the structure and also a certain number of piles passing through it, are then driven for a determined distance into the solid material. Compressed air is thereupon introduced in the space under the structure inclosed by the sheeting and under the side compartments, and when the space has been dewatered, the material below the device, the whole being lowered as occasion may require, is excavated or pumped out or removed in any suitable manner until the level for the foundation of the dry-dock is reached. The foundation and floor of the latter is then laid and the walls built up into the side compartments as far as the height of these will permit, and the structure is then raised to allow the further building up of these walls until their desired height is attained. A section of dry-dock having thus been built, the sheeting around the structure, as well as the piles that held it in place, are raised and the water having been pumped out of the compartments thereon, the whole structure is permitted to float.

It is then shifted to a position over the site of the next section and the same process repeated with the foundation and floor and side walls, the device being used over and over for as many sections as there may be occasion to build.

In practically carrying out this invention, certain peculiar appliances and steps are necessary for successful operation, which I have not mentioned above, but which will be set forth in detail below. The general plan of the novel methods of construction outlined, however, will be understood from the description given, and it will be seen to involve the repeated use of a buoyant structure under which the material is excavated when necessary and the sections of dry-dock built up in a dewatered space inclosed by the sheeting surrounding the structure,

For the details of my invention I now refer to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in cross-section of the structure floating over a partly constructed seC- tion of dry-dock. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the same, but on an enlarged scale, and ex hibiting the details of construction. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the structure resting over an uncompleted section of dry-dock, alongside of a completed section. Fig. 4 is a View in elevation and part section of the structure resting on the concrete flooring ofa section of dry-dock. Fig. 5 is'a sectional elevation illustrating the method followed in joining one section of dry-dock to another already completed. Fig. 6 is an end view of a completed section of side wall of the dry dock. Fig. 7 is a sectional detail view of the walings, sheeting andmeans for supporting the structure withinthe latter. Fig. 8 is'a view in elevation :of the same. Fig. 9 is apart sectional view'illustratiiig the means for making j oints between sections of side walls. Fig. 10 is an enlarged'se'ctional view of a detail of the same. Fig. 11 is a detail view of a wedging device, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional View of a modified structure in position over an uncompleted section of dry-dock.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2; in illustration ofthe procedure under the invention. I first build a rectangular closed vessel 1, which, for convenience, I designate a scow. It is constructed in any suitable or proper manner of heavy planking with horizontal beams 2 and vertical braces or supports 3 and is water-tight. Upon this device I erect a superstructure of vertical braces a and horizontal bea'ms'5 ofg'reater dimensions than the scow, so as to overhang the same as indicated. Over the top'o'f this Iplac'ea series of watertanks or compartments 6, preferably separated-by partitions, so that by filling some of them morethan others with water 'the structure be exactly leveled.

' To'the sides and ends of the'super'structure there are secured. vertical girders or angle irons 7 extending from about the'bottom of the water tanks to afew feet below the superstructure, or to about thelevel'oii the bottomof the scow, andthe lower girders or beams of the superstructure overhanging the scow as well as the inner sides ofthe vertical girders 7 are then covered with water-tight planking.

To afford access to the interior of the scow an air-lock tube 9 extends from the top of the device into the scow, and similar air-lock tubes 10 and 11 extend from the same point through the space or spaces at the side under the overhang. In Fig. 2

there are also shown the piles 12 which passdown through stufiing boxes in the device andwhich,as above set forth, are driven to guide, support and steady the structure. On each side of the structure there are \valings13 which are frames for supporting and guiding the sheeting 14. The'details of these'parts as shown in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, comprise frames'13, which are secured to the vertical girders 7 by hangers or'stijaps 15 attached to the frames and suspended from shafts 16 carried by the said girders. edges 17 are adapted to be driven into recesses in the frames for the purpose of adjusting the distance of the latter from the s'he'etingand on the shaft 16 there are also placed a series 01 iron or steel rollers 18 which, "when the structure is raised or lowered, with respect to the sheeting bear upon the latter and'permit a free movement of the'devic'e up or down. Before the sheeting is drivenit istempor'arily secured to the structure by bolts 19, Fig. 2, passing through it and the walings.

The-girders 7 are of considerable width and as the sheeting is at ac'ertain'distance' from thema' considerable space between the walls ofthe structure proper and the sheeting 'is afforded, which may be filled with water to counterbalance thepressure on the outside of the sheeting. 7 From the description given above, the operation or mode of use of this structure will be understood without difiiculty. The structure having been'tioa-ted to a point over the site"ofth'e section of dry-dock which is to bebuilt, orover the'site where the channel or river bottom is to be deepened by excavation, the water tanks or compartments are filled until the loadis'suflicient'to sink the whole device to the bottom. The sheeting 'isthen released and driven for a certain distance around all four sides of the structure a'nd the piles 12 are driven'and are provided with collars 20 which support the structure in a level positio'n. Workmen then descend through the airlock tubes 11 into the spaces beneath the overhang and excavate th'e'material below the level of the sco'w down to the point where the foundation is to be built. This may require the whole device'to belowered by several steps and a corresponding driving of thesheeting and piles to the positions indicated in Fig. 4. Thefioor and the side walls 21 and 22 of the dry-dock are then built up of concretc, the-side walls being extended up into the spaces under the overhang, and as this process goes on the sheet ng is withdrawn and the structure raised by flotation until the top of the side walls is above the level some. cases advantageous.

as shown in Fig. 1 and the whole remaining portion is then floatedtfrom over the completedsection to a-point: over the site for the next section.

In Fig. 12 I1 havelshow n a mo di fication of the structure whichis permissible, and in.

- construction the. planking is i carried up fromthescow directly to the bottom of the gwaterjjcompartment, being secured to. the

' vertical side beams orgirders-mounted on the scow, and the water-tight; space under the o'verhang is completedjby the planking Ssecured to the inner sides of the vertical girders -7. up to gthe bottom of. thejwater tanks. ,The latter, where they overhang may besupported by braces 23, and a much larger and higher space for the side walls is thus secured. With this construction it is possible to sink the structure, excavate the material under it and build the dry-dock foundations floor and walls nearly or substantially complete beforefioating the struc- .ture for its removal to a new site.

i s I ing to the plan above outlined it is necessary In the/construction of a dry-dock accordto observe certain precautionsin connecting one to another completed section and the steps which it is necessary to follow under such circumstances will now be described. I

When a section of the concrete floor and side walls is being constructed, the former is carried out beyond the latter toward and over the site of the next adjacent section, as

shown in Fig. 8, in which 24: designates that portion of the flooring or foundation which is continued beyond the side walls 22. Then when the structure is floated from its first to its next'position the sheeting across one vend. of the structure 1s driven down upon this extension and cement or. earth piled against the bottom in the completed section in-order to prevent any tendency of the water to run under the sheeting. also in Figs. 3-and 5, the sheeting 25 forum ing an extension of that along the sides of the structure, is driven or left into form a wall between the completed side walls and the structure.

When by the means above described the ,second sectionof the floor and foundation and side walls has been built, the ends of the two sections of side walls will be separated by a space as indicated in Fig. 9, in which the two side walls are marked 22. To fill this space and complete the side walls I proceed as follows: As the walls go up I cast into them plates of iron or steel 26 with flanges 27 and rods or tubes 28 screwed into the plates. The surfaces of the plates 26 are flush with the outside of the walls as shown in Fig. 10. Then when the walls are finished, metal plates 29 are secured to the plates 26 by screw bolts 30 entering the hollow ends of rods 28 andare'braced by an- In this form of As shown gle "irons31. On the inside of the walls, also, plates32 are laid across the open joints and braced. by angle irons 33, thus forming amold with horizontalbraces 34, if so desired, into which concrete may be run'or built up'to fill up the space between the ends of the walls and make the latter continuous. The plates, both inside and outside, are revedfter the-concrete has set. When in this way thedi-y-dock has been'builtthe.

structure used in its construction is' floated off and may be used again whenever occa-" sion requires. g 5. ,7

It is evident that by the plan above set forth-a dry-dock may be builtat a comparatively low cost with a minimum of excavation, and with the use of only such appliture constructions. As the work to be done isconfined almost whollv to construction, a great saving in time and material is effected, and a strongfinished and durable structure will be obtained.

It is evident that the device may be sunk" down upon a site to be deepened in a chanances as are permanently available for funel or river bottom, forming a working chamber wherein the excavation can be ing when the structure is raised or lowered.

2. A structure for use in building drydocks and like purposes, consisting of a water-tight compartment capable of floating I the structure and all its appurtenances, airtight chambers along its sides open at the bottom in which the side walls may be built up from the foundation when the structure is sunk to the bottom, walings and sheeting supported from the sides of the structure and anti-friction devices between said structure and the sheeting.

8. A buoyant mobile structure for use in building dry-docks and like purposes containing air-tight chambers along its sides open at the bottom, within which the walls of the dry-dock may be built up from the foundation when the structure is sunk to the bottom.

4. A structure for building sections of dry-dock consisting of a water-tight vessel or scow, a superstructure built thereon with water tanks or compartments for loading and sinking the structure, said superstructure overhanging the 500W, and water-tight chambers along its sides open atthe bottom rie'd onn formed under the overhang.

A structure for building sections of dry-clock consisting ofa Water-tight vessel orescoW, a superstructure built thereon With- IW-atfil tanks or compartments for :loading- .and'xsinkingthe structure, said superstruc-- ture overhanging the 500w, Water-tight com-- 'partments open at thebottom underthe:

- friction! devices between: the structureiland:

v the sheeting.

combination, a Water tight scow, a super structure. and compartments whichv when fiHed-loadmnd sin-kvthe same and watertight compartments open atth'e bottom on the sides of the scoW to-i'orm chambers int- Copies of thisirateni'.Quay be obtained for orerha'ng Walings andsh'eetings supported? from: the SlCiGS OfxthBl structure, and anti-n structure for excavating sites in" channel and river bottoms, I compr1s1ng}.in-

gleogrsor which the Work of: excavation mayv berl-car- I V A structure on} excavating sites gin" channel and river bottoms comprising" in combination, a-watertight scoW, ausuper atthe sides of the- SGOW; which are open at the: bottom :1 to' form chambers in which} the V 301 anti-frictiom devices upon gthe ides off the' work of excavation: may-be carriecr on, and

structurefor running over the surrounding;

lowered.

In testimony whereof I "a'fiiX my in the presence of two subscribing-witnessesil washington nzgcii sheetingv when the. structure is 1 raised or five cents each by; addressingjhe f (iomrnissionergof, fafentssj.

25 7 structure and compartments Whichi'whe n filledloadand-slnkthe sa1ne,=compartments 

